5-Day Family Friendly Kashmir Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Srinagar

Srinagar, India

9:00AM

Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

Kickstart your family adventure with a serene Shikara ride on the iconic Dal Lake, soaking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Start at your hotel and travel to the Dal Lake boat dock.
INR1500, 1 hour

11:00AM

Nishat Bagh

Visit Nishat Bagh, renowned for its terraced gardens blooming with vibrant flowers, offering a beautiful backdrop for family photos.
Drive 30 minutes from Dal Lake to reach the gardens.
INR50, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at the Mughal Darbar

Enjoy a delicious Kashmiri meal at Mughal Darbar, featuring Rogan Josh and Yakhni, ensuring a family-friendly atmosphere.
A short 15-minute drive from Nishat Bagh.
INR2500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Shankaracharya Temple

Visit the ancient Shankaracharya Temple, which offers panoramic views of the city and Dal Lake; make sure to dress modestly.
A 20-minute drive followed by a short uphill trek.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Shopping at Lal Chowk

Spend your afternoon exploring the vibrant markets at Lal Chowk, where you can shop for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and Pashmina shawls.
Drive 10 minutes to the market area.
Varied, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Chinar

End your day with a delightful dinner at The Chinar, which serves a range of cuisines with delightful views of the surroundings.
Travel back 15 minutes from Lal Chowk.
INR3000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Adventure in Pahalgam

Pahalgam, India

8:00AM

Travel to Pahalgam

Start your morning early with a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Pahalgam, famed for its lush landscapes.
Take NH44 for a smooth drive.
N/A, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Betaab Valley

Explore Betaab Valley; perfect for a family-friendly picnic with breathtaking surroundings and opportunities for fun activities.
Drive 15 minutes from Pahalgam town.
INR100, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Pahalgam Hotel

Savor a hearty lunch at Pahalgam Hotel, where the menu includes local favorites and kid-friendly options.
Return to town in a 20-minute drive.
INR2500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Aru Valley Visit

Take a 30-minute drive to Aru Valley for stunning views and possible pony rides, giving the kids an unforgettable experience.
Follow the road leading towards Aru Valley.
INR2000 for pony rides, 3 hours

5:30PM

Return to Pahalgam

Head back to Pahalgam town and enjoy some evening leisure time at your hotel.
Drive 30 minutes back to the town.
N/A, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at The Riveria

Enjoy your meal at The Riveria with its cozy ambiance and a menu that caters to a variety of tastes.
Just a 10-minute drive from hotel.
INR2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Gulmarg Thrills

Gulmarg, India

7:30AM

Drive to Gulmarg

After breakfast, drive for about 2 hours to reach Gulmarg, known for its beautiful meadows and adventure activities.
Follows the same route towards Gulmarg via NH 44.
N/A, 2 hours

9:30AM

Gulmarg Gondola Ride

Experience stunning views from the Gulmarg Gondola, the highest cable car ride in the world, perfect for the whole family.
Purchase tickets and board the gondola at the base station.
INR1000 per person, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hilltop Hotel

Refuel at Hilltop Hotel with options available for children and adults alike, accompanied by stunning views of the mountains.
Just a short walk from the Gondola station.
INR2500, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Exploring Gulmarg Meadows

Enjoy leisure time for nature walks or trying out some light snow activities depending on the season.
Various trails available leading from the hotel.
Free, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Shopping for Woolens

Explore the local markets in Gulmarg where you can buy beautiful woolen handicrafts and memorabilia.
Nearby shops within walking distance.
Varied, 1 hour

5:30PM

Return to Pahalgam

Travel back to Pahalgam for a restful evening.
Drive back 2 hours.
N/A, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Cafe Log Inn

Savor your dinner at Cafe Log Inn, a cozy eatery famous for its wood-fired pizzas and pastas.
Just 10 minutes from your hotel.
INR2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Sonamarg Serenity

Sonamarg, India

8:00AM

Drive to Sonamarg

Set off for Sonamarg early in the morning; the 3-hour drive is lined with beautiful vistas of rivers and valleys.
Take the NH44 towards Sonamarg.
N/A, 3 hours

11:00AM

Thajiwas Glacier

Once in Sonamarg, hire ponies or take a hike to the Thajiwas Glacier; it is a fantastic spot for snow play, especially for kids.
Reach the starting point at the base of the glacier.
INR1800 for pony rides, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch Picnic by the River

Enjoy a packed picnic lunch by the river bank, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Sonamarg.
Bring your own meal for a memorable experience.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Sonamarg Meadows

Post lunch, explore the stunning meadows, perfect for relaxation, walking, and photography.
Walking distance from the river bank.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Pahalgam

Drive back to Pahalgam to unwind after a day filled with adventures.
Backtrack the 3-hour drive.
N/A, 3 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Hilltop

End your day with a delightful meal at Hotel Hilltop, known for its warm hospitality and variety of dishes.
Just a 10-minute drive from where you're staying.
INR3000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Return to Srinagar

Srinagar, India

9:00AM

Drive back to Srinagar

After breakfast, take the 2.5-hour drive back to Srinagar, where you can wrap up your trip.
Follow NH44 back to Srinagar.
N/A, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit Shankaracharya Temple

Revisit Shankaracharya Temple for a last chance to take in the stunning views over Srinagar before you depart.
Drive and park at the base before walking up.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bukhara

Enjoy a farewell lunch at Bukhara, celebrated for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine and ambiance.
20-minute drive from the temple.
INR3000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Mughal Gardens

Stroll through the famous Mughal Gardens - Shalimar Bagh and Chashme Shahi, perfect for a family photo opportunity.
A 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR50, 2 hours

4:30PM

Last-minute shopping at Lal Chowk

Return to Lal Chowk for some last-minute shopping or souvenirs to take home from your beautiful Kashmir trip.
A short 10-minute drive.
Varied, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Departure

End your family trip to Kashmir with fond memories and a heart full of experiences as you head back to your accommodation or the airport.
Travel based on your onward journey arrangements.
N/A, Varies
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